Setting up home in Taiwan Part 1

What are your housing options & neighborhoods if you’re setting up home in Taiwan?

Taiwan’s housing market varies significantly between major cities. Rentals are often found through real estate agents, online platforms like 591, and Facebook groups. Key factors to consider are proximity to MRT (Metro) stations, the age of the building, and amenities.

Housing Types

• Apartments/Condos (Elevator Buildings): Newer, often with 24-hour security, elevators, and sometimes community amenities like gyms. These are generally more expensive, particularly in central districts.
• Older Walk-up Apartments: Cheaper, more traditional housing, usually without an elevator. Be mindful of potential fire hazards or old electrical systems.
• Studio Apartments (套房 – Tàofáng): Single-room units, popular among young professionals and students.

Popular Expat Neighborhoods

Taipei (High-Cost, High-Convenience)

• Xinyi District (信義區): The financial and shopping hub, home to Taipei 101. Ideal for young professionals seeking a modern, vibrant lifestyle, but the most expensive.
• Da’an District (大安區): Central, balanced, and upscale. Known for Da’an Forest Park, high-quality dining, and convenient MRT access. Popular with families and established professionals.
• Shilin District (士林區) / Tianmu (天母): Tianmu, in particular, is very popular with expat families due to a concentration of international schools and Western-style amenities. It’s quieter and has more spacious housing options, though it’s further from the city center.

Kaohsiung (Lower-Cost, Southern Vibe)

Kaohsiung offers a more relaxed, often more affordable alternative to Taipei, with a focus on maritime culture and easy access to nature. Key areas often align with the Kaohsiung MRT lines. Both Taichung and Tainan are popular, more affordable alternatives to Taipei, each offering a distinct lifestyle and culture. Generally, Taichung is seen as more modern, while Tainan is known for its history.

Taichung (Central Taiwan)

Taichung is a modern, bustling city in central Taiwan, known for its pleasant climate, great parks, and a thriving art and culture scene.

• Cost of Living: Taichung is generally cheaper than Taipei, with housing being significantly more affordable.
  • Rent: One-bedroom apartments in popular expat districts like North District and West District can start from around NT$10,000 to NT$20,000 per month (approximately $310–$620 USD), with high-quality or luxury options costing more.
• Popular Expat Neighborhoods:
  • West District (西區): Considered the cultural heart, popular with young professionals and expats for its proximity to the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Calligraphy Greenway, and numerous cafes and international restaurants.
  • Xitun District (西屯區): A major entertainment and business hub, home to the famous Fengjia Night Market and close to tech parks, making it popular with working professionals.
  • Beitun District (北屯區): A rapidly growing area known for relatively affordable and newer housing, making it a good choice for families and those looking for a quieter, more spacious environment.

Tainan (Southern Taiwan)

Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city, is the historical and cultural capital. It offers a slower pace of life, is renowned for its food, and is one of the most affordable major cities.

• Cost of Living: Tainan is often considered the cheapest of the major Taiwanese cities, providing a very affordable cost of living, especially for housing.
  • Rent: One-bedroom apartment rents in central areas like West Central District or North District typically range from about NT$8,000 to NT$18,000 per month (approximately $250–$560 USD). Electricity bills can be higher in the summer due to heavy air conditioning use in the south’s hotter climate.
• Popular Expat Neighborhoods:
  • West Central District (中西區): The cultural core of the city, perfect for those who want to be immersed in Tainan’s history, food culture, and bustling old streets. It attracts many young expats and culture lovers.
  • East District (東區): Known for modern infrastructure, convenient amenities, and a vibrant dining and shopping scene.
  • Anping District (安平區): Offers a mix of historical sites, coastal charm, and a more traditional, slower pace of life.

Here is a comparison table for all four major cities: Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.

Key Takeaways

• For the Highest Quality of Life & Career Opportunities: Taipei is the undisputed center, offering the most job opportunities, best public transportation, and most international amenities, but at the highest cost.
• For the Best Value & Modern Living: Taichung is the favorite for many expats, balancing modern city life and amenities with a significantly lower cost of living and better weather than Taipei.
• For History, Culture, and Affordability: Tainan is the choice for a slower, traditional, food-centric lifestyle. It is Taiwan’s most budget-friendly major city.
• For Space, Sun, and Coastal Access: Kaohsiung offers a big-city feel with warmer, sunnier weather, a lower cost of living, and an easier connection to the coast. The trade-off is that public transit is less comprehensive, making personal transport (like a scooter) very useful.

Buying vs. Renting Accommodation

For most newcomers, renting is the recommended starting point to get a feel for the city and neighborhood.

Renting in Taiwan

The rental process typically involves a lease agreement (usually one year), payment of a security deposit (typically two months’ rent), and a monthly rent payment.

• Key Tip: Ask a Taiwanese friend or a bilingual agent to review the lease and help with negotiations, as contracts are primarily in Mandarin. Ensure the contract clearly states who is responsible for utility and appliance repairs.
• Address Registration: You must register your address with the local Household Registration Office (HHR) as part of your Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) requirements. Not all short-term rentals allow for this, so confirm with your landlord.
• Facebook groups have largely replaced traditional classifieds for foreigners looking for housing and selling personal items in Taiwan.
  • Apartment/Rental Groups: Look for terms like “Taipei Apartment Rentals,” “Taiwan Apartments and Roommates,” or “[City Name] Housing.” Many landlords or current tenants prefer to advertise directly in these groups to target the expat market.
    • Tip: Be sure to check posts for your target price and required lease length, as many apartments are priced for short-term stays.

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Taiwan?

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Taiwan, but the process is governed by the Principle of Reciprocity (平等互惠).

• Reciprocity Principle: Your home country must allow Taiwanese citizens to purchase property under similar conditions. Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior maintains a list of reciprocal countries.
• Property Types: Foreigners can generally purchase residential and commercial buildings (apartments/condos) without major restrictions, provided their country has reciprocity.
• Land Purchase: Buying land is more strictly regulated and often requires prior approval from the Ministry of the Interior.
• Financing: Obtaining a mortgage is possible, but foreign buyers may be required to provide a larger down payment or secure a local Taiwanese guarantor, though some banks (like Taipei Fubon Bank) have been known to offer exceptions. A valid ARC/APRC and proof of stable income are essential.

Cost of Renting in Big Cities

Renting costs vary dramatically based on the city, neighborhood, and the age/size of the apartment. Taipei is significantly more expensive than Kaohsiung.

Note: Prices are estimates and subject to change based on the market, specific location, and building amenities. The currency conversion is approximate (NT$32 ≈ US$1).

Mobile Phones and Connectivity

Taiwan’s mobile market is competitive, with Chunghwa Telecom (CHT), Taiwan Mobile, and Far Eastone being the main providers.

Long-Term Plans

For long-term residents, a post-paid contract (後付型) is usually the best value.

• Required Documents: You will need your passport and your ARC to sign a long-term contract.
• Unlimited Data: Taiwan is known for offering affordable unlimited data plans, often with various speed tiers, starting around NT$599 to NT$999 per month. These are highly popular and a great convenience for expats.
• Prepaid SIMs (預付卡): Prepaid cards are excellent for tourists or short stays but generally offer less value for long-term residents.

Resources for setting up Home

In summary, focus your initial energy on securing your ARC-compliant residence, getting a reliable unlimited data plan, and thoroughly researching your preferred city’s distinct neighborhoods. With a strong support system and careful administrative work, setting up your new home in Taiwan can be an exciting and relatively smooth process.